Greek Chicken Lemon Rice (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless.
02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided.
03 - 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided.
04 - 1 teaspoon paprika.
05 - ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste.
06 - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
07 - 8 ounces grape tomatoes, cut in half.
08 - 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
09 - 5 ounces fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped.
10 - 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided.
11 - 2 cups jasmine rice, cooked.
12 - 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained.
13 - 6 ounces feta cheese, cut into small cubes.
14 - Fresh oregano sprigs for garnish.

# Instructions:

01 - Mix oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle over chicken thighs, coating both sides.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil and cook chicken for 5 minutes each side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove from pan.
03 - In the same pan, add half the tomatoes, garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, and salt. Cook 2 minutes until tomatoes soften. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
04 - Stir in cooked rice, chickpeas, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, and remaining tomatoes. Heat through while stirring.
05 - Mix feta cubes with 1 tablespoon each of oil and lemon juice, plus oregano. Fold half into the rice mixture.
06 - Return chicken to pan, top with remaining feta mixture, and garnish with fresh oregano. Season to taste.

# Notes:

01 - Keep an eye on the oil temperature while cooking chicken to prevent burning, as those juices will flavor the rice.
02 - For best results, bring chicken to room temperature before cooking.